Prefect

Description

The Prefect operates as a speaker of the people. While the Minister of Trade is expected to be a wise and clever business person and the Executive Magistrate is expected to be a fearsome warrior, the Prefect is expected to be a down-to-earth, approachable representation of the ordinary citizens. They need to be widely popular with the working class and should present themselves as somewhat separate to the other two politicians due to this special role in Elpida.

Responsibilities

The Prefect is expected to act as the representation of the average Elpidan citizen. They usually meet with doctors, farmers, and religious leaders to ensure citizen satisfaction, bringing it up with the other politicians if that satisfaction is not met. They should visit the establishments which they sponsor to check how the money is being spent (such as the House of Healing and the Temples). While the Minister of Trade takes a large role in funding the religious and cultural celebrations and festivals, the Prefect works to organise them. They also are expected to take requests of new buildings which are to be constructed, such as new temples or taverns.

History

Unlike the two other political roles, the Prefect has an unusually positive history. The role of the Prefect was forced by farmers and sailors, so they could have representation in government. Due to this working-class connotation, they are widely loved and regarded as moral and ethical people, generally having mass appeal. Furthermore, the history behind this role means that often at the first sign of a Prefect appealing too much to the rich, or being the slightest bit greedy or corrupt, they are immediately hated and rejected from government, so maintaining popularity is necessary in order to fulfill this role. The people generally like them to be religious, as they work to create temples and promote the Gods, and historically, when certain Prefects ignored the wishes of religious leaders, they have been quickly removed.

Budget

The civil budget comes from leasing out plots and taxation of the mining areas. They own much of the land of Elpida, including farms, taverns, and other buildings. This budget is spent on a huge variety of things, mainly whatever is needed and wanted by the people at the time. They manage the healthcare, construction, and mining mainly, but also fund the non-profit buildings that do not pay rent (such as the temples).

Housing

The Prefect’s quarters are one of the biggest estates in the High Court. It opens to a comfortable and inviting lounging area, as well as a dining room and kitchen, designed to seat a large group of people. The kitchen has one of the best facilities due to the often and frequent meetings with townspeople. Upstairs, there is a small working space as well as another, more formal and intimate meeting table. In the corner is an average library space detailing civil disputes as well as Elpida’s history. This opens into the huge master bedroom, which is mainly open space but also includes storage space and seating. This estate has two balconies, one opening onto the streets of Elpida and one opening onto the High Court.